Cat owners are rushing to B&M to purchase a £3.50 vibrating mouse toy that has become a viral sensation for its ability to keep felines entertained for hours. The toy, which moves unpredictably like real prey, has sparked excitement among pet owners frustrated with expensive toys that cats ignore.
How the Toy Works
When placed on a flat surface such as a table or tiled floor, the toy mouse moves independently once the switch is flicked, vibrating and darting in circles or randomly left and right. This erratic movement mimics the way a real mouse would behave, triggering a cat's natural hunting instincts.
The toy includes batteries and is available at B&M for just £3.50. TikTok user @sophiefjprimrose shared a video of her cats chasing the toy, captioning it: "Vibrating toy mouse from B&M. Think it's passed the test." The video shows the cats enthusiastically stalking and pouncing on the toy.
Why Cats Love It
According to experts, cats chase mice due to an involuntary predatory drive. The quick, unpredictable movements of a mouse trigger a cat's visual and biological adaptations for stalking and capturing prey. The B&M toy satisfies this need by moving erratically, keeping cats engaged for extended periods.
Even well-fed indoor cats possess a natural hunting instinct. The mouse-sized toy is ideal because it fits neatly into a cat's paw, making it easy to bat and carry. Larger toys often fail to capture a cat's interest.
As noted by BBC Wildlife, when cats "play" with a mouse, they tire it out to minimise the risk of being bitten or scratched during the final strike. With a fake mouse, there is no danger of receiving unwanted gifts from a successful hunt.
